Off the back of an action-packed year, which has seen Lucy Spraggan out on tour, releasing a new album, and braving Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS, we were over the moon to catch up with her to chat about the record and her upcoming Sheffield show at Network on 20 November.
Your new album, Other Side of the Moon, is a reflection of your personal and artistic evolution. Can you tell me a bit about your experience getting those emotions and stories down on paper?
I’ve always written songs and stories. Writing is my biggest form of self-expression and I can’t imagine a world where I didn’t do it naturally. I don’t sit down to write in a regimented way – it just happens!
The album includes reworked versions of some of your older songs. What was it like revisiting and reimagining those tracks?
It was really nice to revisit old tracks. Each song holds a lot of memories for me, so to head back in time and give them a little love and imagination was really beautiful.
How did it feel to re-release songs that are already so loved by your fans?
Scary! I know a lot of the songs mean a lot to them, so I was terrified to get it wrong. I changed the key of a lot of songs as, over time, my voice has become a bit lower. We changed lead instruments from guitar to piano, slowed things down a bit – there were a lot of changes.
Other Side of the Moon feels like it marks a new chapter in your life and career. How significant is this moment for you?
Each album is a progression. I hope to make them for the rest of my life. Each one contains a little wedge of my life at that point. This record represents finding love and safety, and really moving into a space where I enjoy my own self.
Sober, your collaboration with Robbie Williams, is such a raw and personal track. How did it feel to let someone else into that space and share that emotion?
That’s what I do. I experience quite big emotions and have always felt compelled to share my journey with others. I think a lot about storytelling – like myths and folklore and how it spans generations. It’s important to share our experiences so that we can feel connected.
You’re originally from Buxton – how does it feel to perform in Sheffield, so close to home?
Sheffield is a real home to me. When I left Buxton I moved to Sheffield, and that’s where music really kicked off for me. It’s always a great show – I can’t wait to be back.
Catch Lucy Spraggan live at Network on 20 November (Tickets here) and follow her on Insta.
